feral cat sick from possible racoon bite

stickboy

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Hi,

Brand new here. Need help.

Long story,short, been feeding feral cat at work for last couple of months at work.

Got where she would come up to only me, and even get in my lap.

During Thanksgiving Break, I drove down(30 miles away), to feed her, and her face was severely swollen. Thought initially, hit by car, but a few days later, noticed open wound on side of face trying to heal. I started her on a anti-botic for several days, and cleaned the wound twice a day.

 We have spotted Racoons near wher she stays, going through dumpster(work at a industrial plant). I was able to finally get her in a carrier and take her home, two weeks ago.

Had her in Garage, in a huge cage first week, now she has the whole garage.

 She of course was in a state of panic, for a few days, but started to adjust some.

 Last night, noticed she has bloody spots on top on head, and pus. Appetite has dimished, mostly drinking water. Cleaned her wound, on top of head, and the one on side is still healing.

 My problem is we just spent over 3,000 on my daughter's cat for urinary blocks, and a surgery., so we don't have it finacially, even took a loan out to pay for our other cat. I know this cat needs a strong anti-botic. Is there any needle injection I can give her?, or from any feed stores,(I have injected chickens, recently),Our Vet, and all of them in this area, do not have paymant plans. PLEASE help with any advice.

 My wife was concerned with possible rabies, but I do not think that's likely?

 Thanks so much for your reply, stickboy
 

StefanZ

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Ah, rabies from the racoon bite?  IF the raccon did bite so viciously because it had rabies? Yes, I suppose there is some danger for it.  So you do have some precausions.  Do use protective gloves, especielly if you have small wounds on your hands. Protective googles doesnt harm either, you dont want droplets in your eyes.

IF the cat bites without verry good reason, immediately off to the doc you go. This is a must.

The other, there are a couple of problems.  Which antibiotic?  And where to get it...

If you dont afford to go to a vet...

Can it be so they can answer questions on telephone?  You are their paying customer after all...

Otherwise, you can try and find some rescue group nearby, or shelter doing rescuing.  They have often both lots of practical experience, and also often medicines left over...

If you do have breeders in your vicinity, you can try with them. They are very vary to risk contagion to their own cats, but they are often helpful as long as there are no physical risks.

Some forumites use antibiotics otherwise used for fishes. They are essentially common antibiotics, so the only question is correct dosage.

I hope others will fill in.

Welcome to our Forums!

Good luck!
 

ritz

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Oh, that's a tough one.  No idea about needle injection--yes, there are long-acting antibiotics given via injection, but I doubt a vet would give you the drug and needle.

In so far as rabies, I think your wife has cause for concern.  I'm a little confused:  could the feral cat have been bitten twice by raccoons?  Or, do you think the wound re-opened?

Raccoons are known carriers of rabies; I would be *very**very* careful around the cat.  Incubation period varies widely.  Was the cat ever vaccinated against rabies?  (

And unfortunately, depending on the local/state laws, were you to take the cat in to be examined and tell the vet you think the cat was bitten by a raccoon, the vet may be required by law to quarantine the animal, two weeks if you can prove the cat was vaccinated against rabies, six months if not.
 

nekochan

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Just wondering why you think a raccoon? She could have been bitten by anything, another cat even more likely; also are you sure it is a bite wound?
 
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bastfriend

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My two cents....ask that vet that you just spent $3000 if they will be willing to help out - they might see this as good deed type of work and you are surely a valued client of theirs.   An office visit plus a convenia shot should come out to under $100 which they might be willing to do for free or half off.   Good for you too for being there for this cat!   I can relate to feeling financial vet shell shock it is hard.
 
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